When we hear the word "legacy," we often picture grand monuments, influential speeches, or world-changing innovations—think Martin Luther King Jr., Marie Curie, or Maya Angelou. But here’s the reality: your legacy doesn’t have to be a multi-million-dollar enterprise or a Wikipedia entry. You don’t need to invent the next groundbreaking technology or write a bestselling novel to create a legacy. The most powerful legacies often start with small, simple actions—and sometimes with unexpected moments that make people go, "Wait, that’s the legacy they left behind?"
Take the grandmother who never missed a Sunday family dinner—she might not have been world-famous, but her legacy was built in the warmth of her kitchen and the love she poured into every meal. The lessons she passed on to you weren’t in the form of grand speeches but in the way she made people feel welcome, seen, and loved. Her legacy lived in every delicious bite and in the hearts of those who gathered around her table.
Now, don’t worry; I’m not asking you to make Sunday dinner the center of your legacy. But let’s take that mindset—creating a legacy through the small but significant things—and apply it to your life. We all have the power to craft a legacy, even without a global stage.
Why Your Legacy Matters More Than You Think
- It’s About Your Impact—No Matter How Small Most of us won’t have statues built in our honor or streets named after us, and that’s totally fine. Legacies aren’t only about the big, loud gestures. Sometimes, a small ripple creates a tidal wave. Think about your grandmother—chances are, she didn’t lead a global movement, but her warmth, her advice, and her love have shaped your life. That’s a legacy. Your influence doesn't need to span continents—it can span generations within your family, your circle of friends, or even just one random person you made smile on a bad day.
- Living with Intention Makes Life Less Boring Ever have one of those days when you feel like you’re just “getting through” it? You wake up, do your thing, go to bed, and rinse, repeat. But when you think about your legacy, you start asking the hard questions: What’s the point of all this? and, ?How do I want to be remembered? Even the small stuff, when done intentionally, takes on new meaning. Whether it’s that book you’ve always wanted to write or that random act of kindness you do just because you can, these things matter. And trust me, life becomes way more interesting when you know your actions are contributing to a bigger picture.
- Your Story is a Blueprint for Others Here’s a fun thought: What if the legacy you leave behind inspires someone else to go after their dream? That’s right—sometimes, just living your truth is the most inspiring thing you can do. You’re not just changing your life; you’re showing others how it’s done. Even in the hardest moments, your persistence might just be the spark that lights someone else’s fire. It’s like when you hear someone say, “If they can do it, then I can do it.” You could be the “they” someone is talking about.
Think about Steve Jobs. Before he revolutionized the tech world with the iPhone, he was fired from the company he co-founded, Apple. Imagine that—being kicked out of the company you literally created. For many, that would have been the end of the story. But Jobs didn’t quit. He went on to build Pixar, which became a huge success, and eventually returned to Apple to transform it into the juggernaut we know today. Jobs didn’t just leave behind a company or a product; he left behind a lesson on resilience, reinvention, and the importance of staying true to your vision—even when the world tells you it’s over.
Steps to Start Building Your Legacy (and Have Fun While You’re At It)
- Get Clear on Your Values—and Be Weird About It Before you can start crafting your legacy, you have to know what you stand for. What gets you fired up? What makes you laugh until your stomach hurts? What makes you feel alive? These are the values and passions that’ll define your legacy. Write them down in a journal—or scribble them on a napkin if that’s your vibe. Here’s the thing: Your values don’t need to be conventional. Be weird. For example, my friend Laura is obsessed with knitting. Yep, knitting. She’s spent years donating hand-knitted blankets to orphanages around the world. It’s not a typical “legacy” story, but when you see how she’s changed lives with something as simple as yarn, you can’t help but admire her dedication.
- Tell Your Story—Even the Messy Parts We’re all guilty of hiding the messy bits of our story. We want to look perfect, especially when we think about our legacy. But here’s the truth: Your mess is your message. Take the famous author J.K. Rowling. Before her Harry Potter books took over the world, she was a single mom living on welfare. She faced rejection after rejection before finally getting published. But she kept writing. That persistence? It’s now part of her legacy. The key? Don't be afraid to share the imperfect parts of your journey. People need to hear about the struggles and the “how-I-got-back-up” moments.
- Give Back, But Don’t Make It Boring Giving back doesn’t mean you have to launch a nonprofit (unless that’s your thing). You can make a lasting impact by simply being there for others. Maybe it’s mentoring a young professional or offering advice to a friend in need. Or perhaps, like my friend Kyle, you take the extra step of adopting a community garden to help feed people in your neighborhood. Sure, it’s a bit random, but it’s unique and meaningful—and that’s exactly what your legacy needs to be.
- Mentor—Because You Have Wisdom, Even If You Don’t Think You Do You’ve lived. You’ve learned. You’ve made mistakes (and hopefully laughed about them). But those experiences are gold. Share what you’ve learned with someone who needs it. A mentor doesn’t have to be a formal title—sometimes it’s just being the person someone can turn to for advice. One of the coolest things about mentoring is the way you can leave bits of yourself in others, making sure your wisdom and guidance live on long after you’re gone.
- Consistency is Key, But Make It Fun Building a legacy doesn’t mean being perfect every day. It means showing up consistently but with a touch of joy. Even on days when you’re not feeling it, do something that moves you closer to your goals—even if it’s just a small step. Think of it like this: Legacy isn’t a to-do list. It’s a collection of small, intentional actions. And don’t forget to enjoy the ride!
Your Legacy Doesn’t Have to Be Perfect, It Just Has to Be You
At the end of the day, building a legacy is about embracing who you are, living authentically, and taking action that reflects your deepest values. Legacy isn’t about grand gestures; it’s about being consistent in the little things. It’s about showing up with intention and creating ripples of change, whether it’s in your family, your community, or even across the globe.
Is Your Legacy Aligned with Who You Truly Are?
We created the I Am. Media Ready Guide to help you not only define your purpose but also share your story in a way that leaves a lasting impact. When you align with your values and embrace your unique journey, you create a legacy that inspires others.
This free resource will help you:
? Clarify your core values and craft a powerful narrative.
? Prepare for interviews and media appearances with confidence.
? Share your story authentically to connect with your audience.
? Leverage your feature to amplify your message and influence.
Comment “READY” below, and we’ll send you the link to download the I Am. Media Ready Guide.
Your story is your legacy—make it unforgettable. Start sharing it today!
Don’t wait for the “perfect moment” to start—your legacy is already in the making. Just look around you, grab a pen, and start writing.?
After all, the best legacies are the ones that feel most like you.
